From the top, our eyes took in the vast overview of the clusters of seemingly unorganised buildings and settlements below, within included churches, mosques, wall ..

“Come, let’s take a stroll down.”

I took your extended hand, while your other hand transferred the Vib. hat effortlessly from your head and placed on mine. “It’ll be hot.” You lifted the hood from my tee shirt and placed it on top of my cap.

“How about you?” I asked with much concern.

“Look closely…”, as if it is being plucked from the air, you conjured the same hat (from your bag actually) and put it on with such... such an exaggerated flare.

You can be so over at times. Regardless.. nonetheless... your incredibly and irresistibly adorableness more than compensate the occasional overness. Anyway, this occasional overness of yours never fails to amaze me and makes me laugh. I consider this as cuteness in another fashion. In all, I have never feel so lighthearted till now.

“We are ninjas mimics now.”

I witnessed your beaming face and heard your booming laughter, under the shade of my cap and your hood.

While my fingers parted the few strands of hair that are blocking my view from your loveliness, I replied, “Ninja or not is not important.”

I held your hand, and rubbed it against my chest, right above my heart, feeling deep and intense from within.

Heartfelt, that’s vital. I see your smile in response. Yes, you understand.

We proceeded moved down the slope, hand in hand, under the sunlight, progressing towards the crowd.

The buildings became bigger as we moved closer the settlements. Made of aged, stony kind of raw materials, combination of pebble stone and sandy streets, colourful marketplaces, interesting cafes, a mixture of locals and tourists filled the spaces.

“Wow! This is unusual.”

“Yes. Now, our feet are in the old city, which houses the more ancient elements. The modern twist to the city down the other way. (I pointed). If places are usually 3D, then this place feels like its 4D, with the additional dimension coming from the vast historic, cultural and religious aura surrounding it.”

“Yes, this is the spiritual place to over one-third of Earth’s population.”

“Yes.“ I concurred, and is impressed by your knowledge.

We continued our touristy exploration despite the heat, seeking shelters in the covered markets, alleys, where unusual foodstuffs and souvenirs are sold since the temperature in the shade is easily two to three degrees lower, compared with that in the path of the sun rays.

While we walked through the paths, soaking in the long history of the place, we captured various shots from significant vantage points.

After climbing long uphill, we came across a gnarled tree with multiple tangled and twisted branches. The thickness of the trunk, the roughness of its bark, hinted us on the length of time it has been standing, the history it has witnessed over the decades, if not centuries.

We walked solemnly into churches, past the significant wall, passing by tourists, pilgrims, etc, also showing and maintaining utmost respect to the various religions that co-exist in this small area, living and experiencing the paths and legends which were centuries old ..

“Hungry?”

You nodded.

Luckily, I managed to find you THE signature and fabulous fruit juice.

“Here! You never know that fruit juice could taste so fresh and sweet till you try this, and here!” I announced.

You took a long sip and your eyes brightened, “Yes, this is very refreshing and thirst quenching, indeed!”

“From a barren piece of land, the people innovate, work to grow fresh fruits like strawberries, it is really amazing. If there is time, I’ll bring you to the fruit farms. We can harvest and eat the fruits there and then!”

“Looking forward to it!” you laughed.

“Let’s hook fingers! Promise (hook pinkies), and seal with a stamp!" (ie, the seal by our thumbs)

“YOU!”

We giggled like kids.

Modern and contemporary restuarants, from sushi, to kosher churrascarias, and Armenian, Kurdish, Arabic and Jewish restaurants are nestled in various corners of the city.

We tried the freshly baked pita bread, that is stuffed with salad and falafel (deep fried doughnut-shaped patty of spiced mashed chickpeas and). So simple, yet heavenly.

“Good, isn’t it!”

“Agree. How did they make it taste so good?”

“This is so good that the major M fast food chain included a variation of this (pointing at what we are having) in their set meal.”

Then, we popped into a tiny café to try traditional coffee. A thick, rich version of mud coffee to which cardamom is added. Interesting try!

“You are so good, so well-travelled. If not, how do you know so many places to visit?”

“I have been here for years, my dear!”

“This is the place to see and feel, for its holy sites, ancient architecture, timeless beauty and vibrance. The narrow streets, scents, sounds, sights and choices of orthodox offerings. Of course, not to forget this lovely thick coffee! I feel so happy. “

“I am over the moon... as you are with me”, I increased the pressure on your hand that I am holding, feeling your hand in mine. Our gazes crossed and held.

Wondered deeper into the city, around the markets, viewed various local produces, olive oils, honey, spices, halva, soaps, antiquities, pottery, embroidery, rugs, cermaics, candles, and souvenirs. Hamsa or hand symbol, is an amulet that protects against evil eye are seen virtually everywhere. I also tried on various scarfs, rings and accessories. Special items that are only found here indeed.

“Wow, what a collection of wine!”, as we are passing by a wine shop.

“Yes, keen to taste? Let’s go in to take a look!”

In this ancient and magical city, people from various races and religions brushed past us as we stroll along, I also see shades of the walls, array of dressings, architerectures, and sites like no where else on the globe.

We only reached your apartment after twilight.

It is bedtime after we took turns to wash up.

“Are you too tired? Don’t fall sick.”

“I don’t usually fall sick, but if I do, it’ll be very bad. But don’t worry, I feel fine.”

You held my hand and said into my eyes, “You must tell me, when you are sad, sick, happy, bothered.. Don’t hide from me. Okay?”

I feel somewhat touched to a ridiculous level. I couldn’t help but sniffed.

“Good night, love. Sleep well.”

I saw you trying to cramp your entire tall self on the sofa with some difficulty. “You sure?”

“No worries, this is a top-notch sofa! Care to join me?”, you extended an invite.

“Thanks and no thanks.” I laughed. “You gave me the bed, remember?”

Tossing on your bed, my eyes are still bright. Thinking about you, wondering how you are adjusting on the sofa.

The cup on the bedside table is empty. Driven by thirst, I stood up and opened the door, only overly surprised to meet your direct glaze. How long have you been standing there?

“May I.. Could I, we .. just, rest together?” as you placed your tee's collar on your lips. I know this habital action of yours - you do this whenever you are thinking hard, considering seriously..

My heart skipped and roared so loudly that I can hear it's loudness and intensity! I swallowed and stammered, “Which, which side do you prefer?”

Sensing my nervousness, you moved close, “Technically, that’s my bed”, you reminded, “So, may I give you the honour to choose?”

Chill breeze streamed in through the gaps of the full height windows, cooling the air in the room, and causing the curtains to dance a little at its sides. Moonlight came through the clear glass provided feeble illumination, lengthened shadows and casted an undeniable spell of slumber.

Soaking in the utmost comfort of your warm body nearby, and a mattress with the right level of firmness, I suddenly feeling relaxed and drowsy.

"Are you sleeping yet?" You tapped on my shoulder.

“Yes?” I turned around to face you.

“I am overjoyed.”

“For?”

“For you being here. For you believing in me, listening to me.“

Tears shimmering and circulating in your eyes, I guessed that much was going on in mine as well. I could feel it.

“Do you know?” You said as you touched my cheeks, “I love (kiss) love (another kiss) love (yet another kiss) you, my love.”

“I was once scared, scared to be hurt. But by not finding out means that I’ll never experience the happiness that we have now”, I entwined my fingers in yours, “I took the leap. So, I returned.”

“I am here. I’ll stay with you.”

“I love you too.”

“Very much (kiss) very very much (kiss)”

Serenity, sanguinity and slumber simply and silently overtook us.

I tipped toe to the kitchen. Removed the ingredients from my luggage gently and started the cooking process. It was done in no time, as I pre-prepared as much as I could in Seoul. Here, I just placed the dried spices in the boiling water, added the ingredients, and waited for it to boil and simmer.

It is still early, and you are snoozing.

Let’s see what is inside the fridge. Hey, this tupper-ware looks similar. I laughed when I saw what’s inside. 

I cooked the eggs, scooped the soup, rice and side dishes. The table is ready.

I strolled to your bed and met your sleeping look. I touched your slightly longer hair and warm cheeks, “Wakie, dear. Time for breakkie.”

Without a warning, you turned and caged me between you and your mattress. “When?”, I stuttered, “Weren’t you asleep?”

“I woke up once you touched me, dear. May I ask for my morning alarm?”

“Alarm?”

“You need some lecture, dear… (kiss, kiss, and yet another…)”

I squirmed and shifted, feeling thrilled and yet some uneasiness. It is less due to the trapped position that I am in. It is more of the rapid, intense and erratic heartbeats that you caused me. “Let’s have break…”

You smiled. “Sure!”

It is your turn to stun when you sat down opposite me at the breakfast table.

“This is something simple. Hope you like it!”

“Seaweed soup, egg rolls, rice, kimchi… This is …”

“Happy Birthday, dear.”

“No one ever cooked this for me. I .. I am so..”

“I can always make this for you… Come, let’s eat. The food is getting cold.”

You were quiet.

You took a few big bites.

I watched your expression anxiously. Is the food to your liking? Did I season them correctly? I tried the soup and side dishes, the taste is right. Then? “Here, try the egg rolls and the …”  

The remainder of my words are abruptedly cut as you suddenly sprang up and hugged me, tightly. You were shivering a little. I patted you lightly on your back.  I felt it, like you seemed to be telling me a lot through this tight hug, though unspoken. We kept like this for a long while. You need some moments now, I know it, I can wait.

Your eyes were misty when you finally released me. I dapped your cheeks lightly.

I felt your left hand held my body close, your right hand cupped my cheeks, and our faces centimetres from each other.

You kissed me, hungrily, exploringly, with heat, and I returned with all the passion I have. I could be clumsy or not elegant due to mimimal experience, but I am trying.

The kisses weaken my being, as I feel myself shaking nervously, yet unwilling and unable to let go. Do you feel similar? That goosebumps on your body, that thrill in your mind, that insatisable craving for each other’s lips, tongues touching, savouring, faces gradually tilted to enable further searches,  enthusiastic quests ..

Ding Dong! Ding Dong!

The ringing bell broke the spell that we casted on each other. We looked at each other in a daze.

“I’ll.. answer the door.”

That’s Joon’s voice. “You didn’t answer your messages thus I came.”

“Oh, I am sorry, Hyeong. I think I forgot to charge my phone after the trip. We just returned last night.”

“Don’t forget the small gathering at my place in an hour’s time. We prepared a cake for you.”

“Oh yes, we’ll be there! See you. I’ll bring the snacks from my trip there too. Thanks, Hyeong!”

You returned. We smiled. “Let’s finish breakfast. (We sat down.) You are still keeping the kimchi I made?”

“Of course, that’s very limited edition!” you winked.

Seeing you enjoying the food gave me much happiness and comfort. So, this is how it really feels.

At Joon’s place, we met Joon’s wife (Chun), their son (Sun), and several of your colleagues. The atmosphere jubilant and joyful. There was cake and snacks, and jokes from all around.

While Sun monopolised you to help him fix his latest areoplane model, Chun brought me around their house, and they have a big balcony too.

“You have a very nice house and thank you for the invite.”

“You are welcome… “

I sensed Chun’s hesitation. “Please feel free to talk… “

“You know, I seldom, or never, seen Hyun smiled so broadly till today. From what I know from my hubby, Hyun only work and take pictures. He is intelligent, jovial and plus great looks, he is highly popular among the females. We often wonder why he is not attached, or not showing much intention to. Yes, this is his choice, of course, we understand that. Until this year, when he literally ran back to Seoul at times within very short notice, we sensed something is going on. What I am saying is - we haven’t seen this romantic side of him till recently. We know that he had a difficult past. We are very happy to see that he has finally unleashed his brilliant smile, pure sweetness, like recently, like now (we saw you with Sun, through the balcony windows). Now we can see (looking at me), who he is waiting for, looking for."

Back in your place, you announced, “This is the best birthday I ever had! Thank you!”

“Let’s make it better then!” I gave you a nicely wrapped box. “Here, open it!” I wore the timepiece on your wrist. It fitted you like a glove.

You suddenly looked cheeky, with some much too playful twinkles in your eyes. “I am the birthday boy. Can you make my birthday even better?”

“How?”

Your lips met mine, with your hands moving slowly over my neck and body, touching sensuous points that aroused foreign (but exhilarating) emotions. After a while, we were glancing at each other, while panting, “Am I a good boy, Ms Santa? May I unwrap another present?”

“Try harder!” I stummered out a joke, not in the usual state of mind.

Like you have detected what I sensed, you placed your head on my shoulder, your breath near to my ear as you related, “We'll take our time to know and discover each other. There is a lot of beauty in the progress. We will take it gradually. We wouldn’t want to miss anything..”

I am glad, “Yes, on each and every step.”

“Yes”.

Our foreheads met. Our world spinned, for the longest while.

“Take care, love.” It is boarding time.You placed the passport and ticket in my palm.

“You too, dear.”

“You can get the hiking shoes inside (same design as mine) as there is a branch inside the transit lounge.”

“Sure.”

“Here.” You placed a necklace with a rectangular pendant on my palm. You held it up. The sunrays fell on the silver, and reflected millions of brilliance on your already vibrant cheeks.

There seem to be a latch on the side of the pendant. “What is inside?” You opened it and its our picture, in all smiles, taken in the old city.

“When did you find time to make it?” I wondered.

“I just, or barely managed.” You laughed as you placed the necklace on my neck and sealed it with a kiss (on my neck), causing my knees to turn into jelly.

You pulled a similar necklace out from the neckline of your tee. You touched my necklace that is hanging on my neck now, “With this, I’ll be the closest to you, to your heart. I am with you. I love you.”

I stood on tip toe and kissed you, “I love you too.”

At the departure gate, I finally shared your feelings when you were in the departure gate.

I felt my necklace. You are here (at a place that is closest to me) with me.

I read your text messages,

Dear Love,

I share your thoughts.

Love can get hard, can ache

But without love, happiness isn’t multiplied, hearts and minds aren’t healed,

Only with the right person, with you, I live, I love. I know this journey with you is worth pursuing.

Paths that we walk by each other

Memories that we co-create

Keeping them in this pendant, archiving them in our album.

As the days continue, nights go on, we will keep adding, filling it up, with countless memories ..

I am here, at the nearest place to you,

               l love you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgmXPCX4VzU

I stood at the viewing gallery for a while, watching your flight take off.

Good night, love.

Where are my thoughts now, my feel? I felt this instant hollow within me as you walked into the Departure Gate and disappeared from where my eyes could reach.

I drove silently back home.

The apartment feels much colder and bigger.

It has only been a week and it is so different now.

How..

I opened my wardrobe for a change of clothes and saw an unfamiliar pile at the side. I the lights to take a closer look. On the top of the pile, was a tatty bear wearing a new light blue polo tee. Directly under the bear, was a matching light blue polo tee (my size). There is a note,

Dear,

A tatty bear to keep you company, with a matching light blue polo tee. I think it looked great on you, when you tried it on the other day. I found a stack of buttons and shirts (with missing buttons) in your room earlier. I have sewn the buttons and ironed the shirts (all hanged in the wardrobe now). Enjoy!

                Thank you for making me feel exceptional and loved.

                I love you..

I felt wetness on my cheeks.

I sent you a selfie, with me in the light blue polo, kissing the tatty. The caption is, “I love you too.”